New Delhi: Tamil actress Khushboo has formally joined the DMK on Friday. She met DMK chief and state Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Friday. Khushboo had met Karunanidhi's daughter and Rajya Sabha member Kanimozhi a few days ago who briefed her about the principles of the party.
The actor who hosts a popular show on rival AIADMK's Jaya TV, may have to give up the show although she says her joining the DMK will not affect the TV show. Khushboo hopes she will be able in keeping her politics and professional life separate.
Khushboo had said earlier she admired the Congress party. The move to join politics comes just days after the Supreme Court quashed the 22 criminal cases against her for her comments on live-in relationships and premarital sex.
CNN-IBN: You had indicated in no uncertain terms you will join politics. But what many din't know is which party you would join. Why did you choose to go with the DMK?
Khushboo: I was always inclined to the DMK. Nobody questioned me about the DMK earlier. So when I said politics, everybody has jumped with the Congress. Because I was asked which party I like a lot and I've been a great admirer of the Congress and I still am. And, that led to one another and people had their own speculation that I'm going to join the Congress. But I never said that I'm going to join the Congress party.
CNN-IBN: Not far away though at the moment you've joined the Congress's ally.
Khushboo: Absolutely. It's not very different for me now since we are in an alliance with them. I think we are very comfortable with this.
CNN-IBN: Are you just following a tried and tested route?
Khushboo: Not exactly. I think I was very comfortable joining politics. As soon as I came back from London I had said that politics has been on my mind for last two years. It's not like the decision has been taken overnight. I have been planning on politics for the last two years and I have been going and meeting the honourable CM and for the last one week we have been discussing this issue and we thought today was the day.
CNN-IBN: So what's on your mind now? A serious politician who will contest an election or would it be a star campaigner for the party?
Khushboo: I really don't know because no particular position has been entrust on me and they haven't assigned me with any job as of now. So, I guess I will wait till they decide what I have to do. Whatever it may be, I'm here. I have joined the party. So I'm a party worker and my main aim is to work for the party.
CNN-IBN: We can't also forget that you are popular game show host on Jaya TV. What happens to jackpot now? Will you continue to host it?
Khushboo: I have no problem in continuing to host Jackpot. When I was doing Jackpot, I was simultaneously doing programmes on Kalignar TV also. Me being a politician has nothing to do with me being an actor. I don't have any qualms about continuing to do Jackpot. It is very very close to me, very special programme for me because that marked my entry into politics. And, I have been very successfully hosting that show for the last nine years. I am absolutely ready to continue with the show. I think the other side will have to take a call whether I should continue with it or not.
CNN-IBN: Have you spoken with Jaya TV on this? It would be politically impossible though to continue for Jayta TV. Doesn't it?
Khushboo: I have not discussed it yet. I am waiting for them to take a decision and get back to me.
CNN-IBN: Some would suspect or speculate that you joining the DMK is a result of the TV rivalry between Jaya, Sun and Kalaignar TV?
Khushboo: Definitely not. I mean that has not even crossed my mind. Like I said earlier I have been very successful with Jackpot and Kalki simultaneously doing shows, hosting dance shows. I'm still continuing to do a talk show. I also did a serial for them. I have been balancing professionally both the sides very well.
CNN-IBN: You've just been relieved from the controversy over those court cases. Some would say during that controversy, Jayalalithaa had subtly supported you. Would you believe this move of yours completely ends an equation with her?
Khushboo: I wouldn't want to comment on that, because I have just taken a step into politics, the first baby steps. Let me continue with that. With these kind of questions, I still need to learn a lot how to handle or talk about these questions because I am not speaking on my behalf. When it comes to the Opposition party, it automatically becomes, probably, that I am speaking on behalf of my party which I don't want to be quoted on.
CNN-IBN: So in a sense you were waiting for the controversy to come to an end to start off in politics?
Khushboo: Yes. To be honest, I was. Political aspirations were there for the last two years. But I wanted my cases to get over in a very positive manner before I decide on politics. So the minute the verdict was out, I got back from London. I thought this was the right time to take the plunge.
CNN-IBN: Hopefully, we'll soon have you as the DMK's spokesperson on a serious political issue.
Khushboo: I don't expect anything at the moment (laughs).
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